SENIOR custodians of Britain's historical archives are up in arms about the poor financial situation threatening the nation's records.

Despite a burgeoning interest in history - and family and community history in particular - many of the country's 200-plus archives are struggling for cash to provide basic public access to their collections.

The cash crisis jeopardising archive services has left countless records un-catalogued or not stored in the right environmental conditions.

Now a group of the country's senior archivists and historians have petitioned the government for funds to protect part of the national heritage.

One of them is Cheshire archivist Jonathan Pepler, a member of the Association of Chief Archivists in Local Government.

He said: 'Sadly, the story is pretty much the same up and down the country - one of cramped, unsuitable facilities, restricted access and storage space and inadequate environmental conditions.

'The interest in history and family history has never been greater.

'Yet the last survey carried out in the north west showed that 29% of records were un-catalogued and therefore unavailable to the public.'

Cheshire and Chester Archives Services boasts extensive records dating from the 12th century - many of which are stored in Winsford salt mine.

The mine offers ideal conditions but poses access difficulties.

In his latest annual report the county archivist stressed the limitations of the present Cheshire Record Office in Duke Street, which needs £1m spent on it to bring it to modern standards.

'Also an increasing number of archives are involved in outreach and educational services, playing an important role in community learning.'

Added Mr Pepler: 'Unfortunately this interest is not being reflected in central investment in our heritage.'

Improvement of the archive service has been aided with grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and although on-line access to records has grown recently, much modernisation of the service remains to be done.

'Museums and galleries have revolutionised the way in which they present artefacts and art to the public and there is much that we could and should be doing to improve the way we can provide access to ancient records,' said Mr Pepler.

The National Council for Archives is calling for public support to sign a petition online at www.ncaonline.org.uk